Jeep safaris
Morning and afternoon game drives in a private safari jeep with a tracker.
Wildlife · Sri Lanka
Yala, Sri Lanka's leopard country.
Yala National Park, on the dry south-east coast, is Sri Lanka's best-known wildlife park and one of the best places in Asia to look for leopards. Elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and abundant birdlife share the scrub, lagoons and rock outcrops.
What to see
The highlights of Yala.
Leopards and elephants
Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Sightings are never guaranteed, which is part of the thrill.
Birdlife and lagoons
Painted storks, peacocks and migratory birds gather around the park's lagoons and the nearby Bundala wetlands.
Kataragama and Tissamaharama
Pilgrim towns and ancient stupas a short drive from the park gates.
When to go
Best time to visit
Yala is open most of the year. The dry months make wildlife easier to spot. Parts of the park usually close for several weeks around September and October; we confirm the year's closure dates when you book.
How long
How many nights
One or two nights near Tissamaharama or Kirinda, which allows a morning and an afternoon safari.
Getting there
Travel by private car
About two and a half to three hours by private car from Ella, and roughly four to five hours from Colombo by the Southern Expressway.
Published Navigeto journeys
Private tours that include Yala.
Every route can be changed: the number of nights, hotels, pace and stops.
- Safari to Mirissa8 days · 7 nights
- Kandy to the Wild8 days · 7 nights
- Ancient Cities & Eastern Seas15 days · 14 nights
- Sigiriya Island Panorama13 days · 12 nights
- Dambulla Safari Retreat8 days · 7 nights
- Highlands Safari Express6 days · 5 nights
- Sigiriya Grand Discovery10 days · 9 nights
- Rock, Tea & Safari8 days · 7 nights
- Galle to Ancient Kingdoms7 days · 6 nights
- Tea Trails & Twin Coasts10 days · 9 nights
- Kandy Heritage Safari8 days · 7 nights
- Kandy & Wild Shores8 days · 7 nights
Good to know
Yala questions, answered.
Will I see a leopard in Yala?
Many visitors do, but sightings depend on luck, season and time of day. Two game drives give you the best chance.
Is Yala open all year?
Most of the year. Parts of the park usually close for a few weeks around September and October to let the wildlife rest. We check the current dates before planning your route.
Morning or afternoon safari?
Both are good. Early mornings are cooler with active wildlife; afternoons have golden light. Staying a night nearby lets you do both.
Start planning
Add Yala to your Sri Lanka trip.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A Sri Lanka specialist will suggest a route, hotels and a private car, with a clear quotation.
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